Travel and Lifestyle Blog

My Post-Grad Education in Miami

This past week has been full of bittersweet moments as I’ve closed the door on one chapter of my life to start another. After 4 years of calling South Florida home, I said goodbye last week to the palm trees, the tropical year round weather, the amazing beaches….call me crazy, right? I have so much to owe Miami for really developing me as a woman. When I moved there at the age of 23(a whole 4 years ago!), it was the first time I was completely on my own. I had no family there, or close friends, just acquaintances and I was determined to make it work whatever way possible. If you would like to keep reading about my journey, click “continue reading” below but bare with me! This may be a long one.

I wanted to share my story because who knows, perhaps sharing my story might provide someone else with the inspiration to leave home on their own for the first time. Everyone’s experience is different and I always get asked what brought me down there, so decided to share my story on my blog today. Also, hope you enjoy these #throwbackthursday pics I’m sharing throughout my years in South Florida. I apologize for the quality in advance as they were all taken with an iPhone.

Ran my first half marathon circa 2014.

Got to meet some celebrities too! LOL. This picture was taken at a Miami Heat game when I met Mr. Chow from The Hangover circa 2013.

I have always loved Florida and having visited Miami a couple of times on vacation, I started to sell myself on the idea that South Florida was the breath of fresh air that I needed. While I had no family there or even close friends, only a few acquaintances, I was determined to make it work no matter what. Finally, one morning, I got some incredible news about a job opportunity in Miami. I knew it was a God thing and it was my time to go. Without hesitation, I packed my bags and left home two weeks later.

At the time I made this decision to leave home, it was 2 weeks after I turned 23 and 2 months after I graduated college. Needless to say, after being in Charleston for 16 years, I was ready for a change and felt Miami was a good place to start. Miami is full of diversity, opportunities for growth, has an exciting atmosphere, and was the breath of fresh air that I needed.

First time skydiving circa 2015.

I have always been quite an independent spirit and have always found a way to make it on my own. By no means was my experience perfect, I had plenty of mistakes along the way that taught me valuable lessons. Don’t ever feel like you have to have everything planned out either. I know it sounds irresponsible of me, but I honestly did not know where I was going to live when I drove down here. I just knew God had a plan for me, and I trusted it whole-heartedly. Luckily for me, some sorority sisters were kind enough to house me for the first three weeks I was there when I had nowhere else to go. But then a place opened up for me almost a month after I got there, and not only was it affordable but it was right in the middle of Downtown Miami with a waterfront view and in a great area! I look back and think about how fortunate I was to have had the opportunity to live in all these beautiful places in Miami.

My first Bachlerette party circa 2015.

With friends circa 2016.

During my time in South Florida, I met people from all over the world and made some great friendships. Not only was it a memorable 4 years, that I will forever cherish, but I also had the opportunity to meet my boyfriend there and that was truly the biggest blessing of all.

Jared and I at our first Broadway musical circa 2015.

My biggest piece of advice for anyone wanting to explore a new area or just try something different is…don’t wait. Life is calling your name and everything is a risk. The biggest opportunities are sometimes found in the biggest leaps of faith you will take in life…Just go with it and never look back.

I did the same thing when I left South Florida and moved to Dallas, Texas… all on a leap of faith. Like you said, so many mistakes but so many blessings. It was also when that rap song was out “she got her own job, she got her own house, she got her own car” (or something like that) and I would freaking BLAST IT out of my car because I was so proud that I did it!!! I learned to be resourceful, and how to be an adult… and I met my husband and father of my two angelitos. Wouldn’t trade that experience away for the world!! xoxo

Aww that is awesome!! Loved the story and it’s all proof that God points us in different directions in life for a reason ALWAYS even if we may not understand it at the moment or may be struggling. Lol and yes!! I loved that song-I can totally relate. There’s nothing better than the feeling of independence ❤

I love this post.. It’s comforting to me because I’m in the process of moving to Miami from Michigan and it has been so stressful. Like you, I feel God telling me to just have faith and every thing will fall into place. Thanks for the motivation, good luck on your next journey Xx

That’s great to hear. I wish you all the best in your journey. What brings you to Miami? If you have any questions about anything down there, let me know. I am quite seasoned in the South Florida department.

Thank you! My husband & I impulsively decided to move to be closer to family who mainly live in central FL. We also wanted to get away from the snow!!!
His job transferred him to the Miami Beach area so that’s where we’re heading!
My biggest focus right now is apartment hunting… I want to make sure I choose the, “right,” area whatever that means. Do you have any general suggestions? 🙂

I hear you! Same reason my boyfriend moved down from Ohio to Miami-those winters were starting to get a little too much for him, haha. As far as areas to live in Miami, Miami Beach is a great place to be. It’s where everything is happening, although be aware that there will always be traffic and a lot of tourist around so if you don’t mind the noise, also it can be pricey to stay on the beach. I personally loved living in Brickell, which is the Financial District of Miami-you can find great condos here, but again the cost of rent has skyrocketed since I last lived there 2 years ago. Also, check out Edgewater, it is the neighborhood right next to Brickell. Great location, without as much traffic, and central to everything. If you are the creative type, I would suggest the Wynwood area. It has the whole hipster, creative vibe and a lot of great museums. If you need any more suggestions or want to go into detail about any of these places, email me @ estrella@lacasabloga.com!